As your air conditioner ages, you might want to know which parts of an AC unit will break first. Our technicians have provided AC repair services in The Hamptons, NY, for years and have obtained experience with numerous HVAC systems. Thus, we developed a short list of components that give homeowners the most trouble throughout their system’s lifespan.
Learn what to expect from your air conditioner and when to call us for repair services below.
#1 Air Filters
Air filters make the top of the list since you can easily replace them. They greatly improve your indoor air quality and can also affect your unit’s energy consumption. However, many homeowners forget to replace their air filters regularly, which causes issues for their entire home.
Check and replace your air filter every three to four months. Your filter may need more frequent replacing if:
- You have pets in your home
- You notice excess dust on floors and surfaces
- You or other occupants have sensitive sinuses and respiratory systems
- You live in an area with high outdoor pollution, which can come indoors
When air filters become clogged and dirty, they force your system to work harder. Set a monthly inspection schedule to gauge the best replacement frequency.
#2 Motors
Blower and fan motors are major components that often require repair or replacement services from a skilled HVAC technician. You can usually avoid fan motor replacement by getting maintenance services and keeping each fan blade free of debris. When fan blades gather dust and grime, they force the fan motor to overwork.
Blower motors also become damaged through wear and tear. During a maintenance visit, a technician can inspect the blower motor and address any small issues that would later develop into larger, more consequential ones.
#3 Thermostats
Thermostats are among the most common parts of an AC unit that need replacement. Your thermostat uses electrical technology to communicate with the rest of your system. It helps your unit determine when it has reached the ideal temperature.
A thermostat may fail for a number of reasons, such as:
- Faulty electrical connections
- Issues related to an outdated appliance
- Dead batteries
First, replace your thermostat’s batteries to determine whether that solves the issue. If this doesn’t work, schedule services from a qualified HVAC technician. They can troubleshoot your thermostat and repair any damaged connections. If repairs don’t work, then you may need to get your thermostat replaced.
#4 Ducts
Many HVAC units deliver and draw air through a network of ducts that run throughout your home. Sometimes, these ducts become clogged with debris and detritus. Other times, their materials crack or develop holes. These openings allow air to escape, increasing energy consumption and your energy bills. Regular maintenance prevents and solves these issues before they become big problems. However, you may occasionally need to replace a severely damaged duct.
#5 Capacitors
The capacitor works similarly to a car battery. It provides enough energy to power your unit upon startup. It also sustains some of the most serious damage.
Your capacitor may stop working due to a power surge that comes from a random grid influx or a lightning strike. In some instances, you can still restart the air conditioner after the danger has passed. If your AC unit won’t start after such an occurrence, call an HVAC technician to see whether the capacitor needs replacement.
#6 Coils
Most air conditioning systems contain condenser and evaporator coils. Condenser coils draw heat out of the air circulating and release it outdoors. The evaporator coils contain refrigerant that cools the air before it circulates into your home.
You can typically find both sets of coils in the outdoor unit beneath the metal fins that house the other components. The containment component often attracts dust and debris due to its outdoor location. Thus, the coils may sustain damage from temperature fluctuations, rocks or twigs lodging in the components, or dust particles clogging and encasing them.
These occurrences can cause refrigerant leaks and prevent the coils from extracting heat and circulating cool air effectively. Request repair and replacement services from our HVAC technicians to avoid further complications.
At Complete Comfort Control, We Can Repair and Replace All Parts of an AC Unit
Our crew of expert technicians at Complete Comfort Control has extensive experience with all parts of an AC unit. You can trust our team to handle any HVAC services, from AC installation to expert repairs. Take a proactive approach to HVAC maintenance today by calling us at (631) 910-7999 today.